GALLIPOLIS — Gallipolis in Bloom (GIB) earned four blooms for its efforts in 2009, and was awarded third place along with special mention in hertitage preservation.

Judge Darlene Blake described the city as “picturesque and historic” in her general comments, praising the GIB’s organization and dedication.

“The committee has done so much to improve the beauty and quality of life for its residents,” she wrote. “The warm hospitality by everyone we came in contact with was greatly appreciated. Gallipolis is a city we will fondly remember forever.”

The judges were most impressed with the city’s heritage, community involvement, environmental effort, floral display and tidiness effort. They noted the city’s commitment to keeping areas “neat and tidy” through the use of public trash receptacles they called “attractive.”

They also really seemed to like the effort to go green and commended the city’s conservation project (Ameresco), which upgraded manhole covers, meters, pumps and lift stations.

“Congratulations Gallipolis on this ambitious and evironmentally friendly project!” they wrote.

They also suggested that Gallipolis establish a mandatory recycling policy, develop a compost pile for residents’ yard waste and look into the feasibility of obtaining methane gas from the waste treatment plant to heat city buildings.

All in all, the judges seemed to have really enjoyed their tour. In describing the special mention in historic preservation, they commented on all four historical societies, the Our House Museum, the Gallia County Historical and Genealogical Society, the John Gee Historical Center, and the Gallia County Genealogical Society, as well as the bandstand, the historic downtown business district, and the Ariel Theatre. They also noted that Gallia County observes the longest running Emancipation Proclamation Day Celebration in the United States.

“Gallipolis is blessed with a rich heritage that has been and still is carefully preserved by its residents. The original settlers started a legacy that has expanded throughout the years to include people of all races, religions and political views,” they wrote.

“Gallipolis is truly a city for all, proudly serving its past, present and future.”